Bad panic attack

[Jonnypais93]

I am a 28 year old pretty athletic male. I’ve had anxiety disorder since I was 12. I am currently take 20mg of lexapro and 1mg of Ativan which I’ve been taking for some quite time. My anxiety has been very manageable the past couple years but within the last 6 months it’s got gradually worse. I believe the lexapro might not be working anymore. I haven’t had a actually panic attack in probably 2 years. Today however I was taking a nap and woke up from it with my heart racing , shortness of breath and dizziness. I went outside for fresh air and took 1mg of Ativan. Within 30 minutes the Ativan calmed me down a good amount. I also have heath anxiety so this made me think it was something worse. My assumption is that if it was a heart attack And I took an Ativan it wouldn’t just go away like that which makes me believe it was all anxiety. I’ve been in the past to urgent cares for what I thought wasn’t anxiety that ended up being anxiety so I don’t want to go. My chest does feel sore but I’m assuming it was from the panic attack. I don’t have any health conditions that I know of other than GERD. Just looking for some reassurance or any advice. Thank you

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This sounds like anxiety, Jonnypais. I have GAD and the symptoms you describe are familiar, for sure. It can feel like a heart attack, but it very likely is not.

I'm not familiar with lexapro, but I did take clonazepam for 18 months, and I do know that it can stop working as well as it did in the beginning. Perhaps the ativan needs to be adjusted? Just a thought.

At least you managed to settle down, this is good. Anxiety likes to play games and it can reoccur after a time. This is most likely a set back and as long as you manage to not let it upset you too much, it will subside again. Try to stay positive, this helps me, a lot.

[SirGrits]

Hey Jonny, my anxiety keeps me up at night often but I haven't suffered a panic attack yet, at least not to the degree with which you describe. My anxiety-fighting-toolbox consists of journalling (for productivity), walks, & sleep hygiene. Those things may not be that effective for acute instances, but they are practically free and are helpful in other ways than anxiety help. Consider the journalling at least. I felt silly as hell when I started it, but it's made a world of difference for the past 9yrs or so.Prayers bro.

[Shaymocha111]

I'm praying for you

[Callie67]

Anxiety and anxiety/panic attacks are very common after waking up. Has there been any extra stress or worries going on recently? Anxiety and panic can be very sneaky and hit days after something occurred. I have health anxiety as well, I can certainly empathize with you!